The consumption of alcohol was believed to be reckless and destructive, prohibition would reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, decrease the need for prisons and welfare, and improve health for all Americans. Congress assumed that by putting the 18th Amendment into effect it would solve all problems, and they were also being pushed heavily by temperance groups. They thought by appeasing these non-drinking advocates and bettering our country it would be a win win situation. The reaction to the amendment did not live up to the expectations thought of by Congressmen. It caused law enforcement to get their hands dirty with local gangs, drug smuggling, and more drinking then before. Congress thought the best way to enforce the Eighteenth
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Ever since Congress gave in to the constant persuasion of temperance groups to enact Prohibition, it has been harder to earn back the respect and order of society. Society didn't want to be held down with restrictions and rules, they wanted the government to have faith in them. After widespread public disagreement during the 13 years of Prohibition, it was decided upon to repeal the 18th Amendment. The 21st Amendment, allowing the consumption of alcohol, was ratified December 5, 1933. The age requirements for drinking back in the 1920s has changed dramatically compared in the present day. In the 1920s there wasn't a legal age for alcoholic consumption. After Prohibition ended, the decision was given to the individual states to set a drinking age. Most states were set in the high 20s while others were lower. Ages significantly dropped during the Vietnam War for soldiers who thought if they were willing to sacrifice their lives they deserved a beer (Krohn). A retired army lieutenant stated: What I remember, clearly and fondly, is that every day the Army delivered two cans of beer to every soldier in my battalion. Sometimes the beer was warm, sometimes chilled, but we counted on that last afternoon chopper to deliver the goods.
Ever since Congress gave in to the constant persuasion of temperance groups to enact Prohibition, it has been harder to earn back the respect and order of society. Society didn't want to be held down with restrictions and rules, they wanted the government to have faith in them. After widespread public disagreement during the 13 years of Prohibition, it was decided upon to repeal the 18th Amendment. The 21st Amendment, allowing the consumption of alcohol, was ratified December 5, 1933. The age requirements for drinking back in the 1920s has changed dramatically compared in the present day. In the 1920s there wasn't a legal age for alcoholic consumption. After Prohibition ended, the decision was given to the individual states to set a drinking age. Most states were set in the high 20s while others were lower. Ages significantly dropped during the Vietnam War for soldiers who thought if they were willing to sacrifice their lives they deserved a beer (Krohn). A retired army lieutenant stated: What I remember, clearly and fondly, is that every day the Army delivered two cans of beer to every soldier in my battalion. Sometimes the beer was warm, sometimes chilled, but we counted on that last afternoon chopper to deliver the goods.